This first book in the Captivating Kisses series was charming and well written. The characters were delightful and likable. Sudden and sad circumstances forever change a young man's life for the good. I enjoyed how this story shows so much kindness, acceptance, and love between both family and friends. I highly recommend reading!

From Laborer to Marquess

Julian went from a common laborer to a marquess in an instant. He will have much to learn about the ton and its rules. When he first meets Ariadne, he is hostile. Later, he apologizes, and the two find themselves drawn together. However, Julian lets his insecurities get in the way. Thinking he is doing her a favor, he rejects Ariadne and breaks her heart. What will it take for him to gain the confidence he needs to hold on to the woman he loves? This is an entertaining story. I recommend it to those who like Regency romance.

Earnest. That’s the word for this book.

Our down-to-earth hottie was surprised to inherit a title. Our diamond of the first water heroine helped him fit in. Found family, being honest with one another, honour, cuteness.

It was so earnest! It felt like the historical romance version of a k-drama. There was something really charming and cozy about it. The characters were all likable, everything happened on page, he didn’t think he deserved her, they were pining. It was super sweet.

The writing style was very on the nose and it had one of my least favourite things holding them apart (the ‘I love you too much to be with you’ trope). But I forgive it.

This is the first book in a new series from one of my favourite authors. Obviously it's a historical romance. We are introduced to a new generation of cousins who are coming of age in the series. The heroine in this book is the eldest of the girls making her come out to society. Luckily her elder brother is only a few years older than her, so she can trust him to guide her.
Our hero has recently come into his title, discovering his birthright after his mother's death. He has a lot to learn before entering the perilous world of high society.
A story filled with happiness and good people. The characters are fabulous and I'm sure I will love the rest of the series as much as this one.
Great fun.

overall rating: 3.25 ★
genre/tropes: historical romance,

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC!

Julian has spent his entire life unaware of his true lineage as the son of a Duke. But when his mother dies, he discovers his father on his deathbed and unexpectedly inherits the title of Duke of Barrington. Ariadne is a lady with a heart of gold and the eldest daughter of her family, making her debut this season.

I love how both characters interact and banter with each other. In a way, they both need one another—Julian relies on Ariadne’s advice and expertise to help him navigate his new role, while Ariadne depends on Julian for support and protection as she pursues her interests (a.k.a helping the needy & pursuing her hobbies).

Historical romances are one of my top genres to read. I love how the book slowly simmered the slow-burn romance, adding just a pinch of tension to keep me hooked! However, there were a few things that felt off to me. I think the writing could have flowed better—for example, the descriptions were too direct and lacked the depth of emotion needed to fully immerse me in the story. I’d prefer if the information wasn’t just handed to me but rather revealed naturally, allowing me to read, observe, and draw my own conclusions. But most of the dialogue was well-done and chefs kiss!

All in all, this book was a cute read for those who like historical romances and slow burn.

The first of an amazing series. I just loved this story. Julian moves from a poor hard working man into a highly regarded lord of the ton. Ariadne is set for her come out season and is a beauty. She meets Julian and sends her brother and cousin to help him assimilate. Sadly, Julian ignores her during every event. This is one series that you absolutely should start at book one because the series is going to be based on this family and cousins. You don't want to miss out on any of the relationships and personalities of these extremely well crafted characters. Unique, thoughtful, creative and powerful all rolled into one, not to put down story.

A nice, easy flowing story and a good start to the new series with neighbors to lovers and a touch of reverse "My Fair Lady" tropes, very likable characters and a bit of steam. Julian is a sweet cinnamon roll hero who took my heart by storm with his insecurities. Ariadne is a kind and compassionate heroine who is torn between the world of luxury and the urge to help the poor. I found it heartwarming how Julian's employees stood by his side and lovingly guided him. Ariadne's brother Val and her cousin Con are also endearing characters and I'm looking forward to their stories.

Julian Watts has lived in poverty with his mother since birth and thought he was a bastard. But after her death, he discovers by chance that he is in fact
Julian Barrington, the legitimate son of the Marquess of Aldridge. When his father dies immediately afterwards, Julian suddenly finds himself in a new life in which he can hardly find his way around. By chance, he meets Lady Ariadne Worthington, the daughter of the Duke of Millbrooke, who takes him under her wing.
Ariadne has travelled to London for her debut season and is looking forward to making new friends, but the poverty she sees on the streets of London dampens her joy. She is more than willing to support her socially awkward neighbour as he enters society and, along with her brother Val and cousin Con, she tutors Julian and helps him make new acquaintances.
Ariadne and Julian become increasingly attracted to each other, but after an unexpected kiss, Julian suddenly distances himself, believing that Ariadne deserves better than him...

If you like socially awkward heroes and kindhearted heroines, you will enjoy this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

Not only was the kiss unexpected in this novel, but so was Julian's inheritance. I enjoyed this heartwarming romance where the new marquess and daughter of a Duke meet in a park as they both take time out to catch their breath. Julian is unsure of himself, but tenderhearted Ariadne persuades her brother to befriend him because he looks lost. With the complications surrounding the death of his parents, Julian is cautious about sprouting his origins, but with the help of Ariadne, her brother, and their cousin, he learns to navigate his way through London society. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion and both Julian and Ariadne find their needs met in a special way. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

From dock worker to marquess...

Julian Watts believed he was illegitimate and grow up very poor. He and his mother struggled to survive and he became a dock worker at 15, At 27, he's both a dock worker and a night clerk and when his mother dies, he finds out he was legitimate and then he is suddenly a marquess as his father who never acknowledged him dies a day after his mother dies.

Eight months later, Julian meets his lovely, young neighbor Ariadne Worthington, daughter of a duke, sister to Val, a marquess. Ironically, Julian has a massive inferiority complex and its Ariadne Worthington that sends him her brother to help educate Julian on the ton. His inferiority complex leads him to push away the pretty Lady Ariadne (their whole family has Greek names).

This was a great start to a new dynasty of aristocratic cousins.
Recommend.

This was a sweet and engaging Regency romance with a great premise. Julian’s transformation from a hardworking dockworker to a marquess was compelling, and his struggle to fit into his new world felt real. I was just a bit bothered by how he started giving attention to others after kissing Ariadne. Ariadne was a standout—down-to-earth, kind, and aware of her privilege in a way that made her easy to root for. Their chemistry was strong from the start, and their journey had plenty of heartfelt moments. Parts of the story felt a little predictable, and the writing didn’t always flow as smoothly as I’d hoped. With so many characters being introduced, things got a bit crowded at times. Still, Julian and Ariadne’s romance was charming, with just the right amount of tension and warmth. A solid read, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next!

Ariadne is the oldest daughter and is about to make her come out. Julian has recently gotten a title after never knowing who his father was and growing up impoverished.
These two were cute together. Ariadne, along with her brother and his friend show Julian the way of high society. They have great chemistry and both have the desire to do good. I look forward to the rest of the series. Hopefully Julian's steward Ross will get a story too.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

A delightful story that makes you smile. Julian lives a life of poverty, but when his mother dies his life changes drastically. As he navigates his new life he meets a Duke's daughter, Ariadne. Together they face society and find live. The story is rich and examines feelings of low self worth, poverty, neglect and charity. It is a sweet story with a happy ending.

Believing himself to be the illegitimate son of a seamstress, Julian is shocked to learn that he is the legitimate son and heir to the marquess. His life takes a very different turn when he inherits and takes on the title and wealth. He’s lucky to meet his neighbor, Lady Ariadne in their shared garden, who tasks her brother to assist Julian on his entry into society. Ariadne is the daughter of a duke making her debut this season and is a bit stifled by her parents’ expectations. She would much rather do some good in the world by caring for the less fortunate. She’s hoping to find a match that would support her goals. It seems that Julian and Ariadne are well-suited to each other and even share a scorching kiss one day, but he needs to get over his fear of being inferior to her. Quick read and a fun set-up for a whole cast of siblings and cousins that will be featured in this series.

A Fish Out of Water.
Julian is unexpectedly a Marquess, having had a minimal education and a labourer’s poverty stricken life. Luckily he is befriended by a Duke’s daughter and quickly falls for her but believes she deserves better and attempts (rather unsuccessfully) not to engage her feelings. A lighthearted romance with a few plot holes but enjoyable nonetheless.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An Unexpected Kiss is the first in the new series Captivating Kisses. This series features three families. The Worthington's, Alington's, and the Fulton's.

Lady Ariadne Worthington is about to make her debut in society. She and her parents make the trip to London to order her many gowns for the upcoming season. She meets one of her neighbors and is instantly taken with him.

Julian Watts believes he was born out of wedlock. After his mother's death he finds the papers and a few letters which tell a different story than he has been led to believe. He turns to his mentor for assistance and soon finds that he is the only heir to the Marquess of Aldridge. This news changes the course of his future. He meets Ariadne and is also drawn to her but believes he is not worthy of pursuing her to be his future wife.

An unexpected kiss from Julian leads Ariadne to hope for a future with the new heir. She will have her work cut out for her to show him that he is everything she is looking for in a husband.

This was a wonderful start for this new series. Great characters and fun storyline.

Thank you NetGalley. This was such a fun read. Julian was a dock worker but the day his mother died he found out his father, who he didn't know died and made him a marques. Lady Ariadne lives across the park from him and helps him learn the things he must to be that lord. He finds she is quite different than the other young ladies. This is the first of a series.

The first in a new series, this was a nice neighbours to lovers romance.
Do check out the blurb; I couldn’t possibly introduce this story any better!

Ariadne & Julian
They spark from their very first meeting, tense and inappropriate as it may have been.
Since she’s a kind and caring young woman, she senses there’s more to this surly man, and sets her big brother upon him to help him find his footing - and maybe keep him in her orbit just that little bit longer. He’s smart enough to accept every bit of help that’s offered, and the lady is most appealing - even if he believes she’s far too good for him.

I liked Ariadne a lot; she’s the most down-to-earth duke’s daughter I’ve read in a long time. She knows she’s privileged, sees those less fortunate and is determined to make a difference. She also knows her parents have no interest in their daughters, and so she carefully navigates her life guided by her loving brother. A brother who was a bit too squeaky clean for my liking, but maybe there’s hidden depths coming in the next books?
Julian is an interesting man as well; he came from nothing and now has everything. He’s a fish out of water, uncomfortable, but he’s clever, charming and takes his new responsibilities very serious. He cares and he never forgets where he came from - and that’s not always a good thing.

They have wonderful chemistry, and there’s some nice sizzle with just a splash of steam at the end, but it all felt a bit too vanilla, too predictable, too easy. I usually love this author’s books, but this story felt different and the writing felt somewhat wooden. I missed the usual effortless warmth, that easy flow laced with humour.
I don’t quite know how I feel about this book. Maybe it’s because it was a tad crowded - inevitable when introducing a large new series - or maybe the story just missed that extra bit of punch? Maybe this was the first pancake? Either way, I’m still looking forward to finding out where this series takes me.

Alexa can write a story. They are interesting, full of emotions (the prologue), and the characters are so sweet. How could you not love Julian. He is not the most savvy but he is a darling. Ariadne is someone I admire for taking poverty seriously which is relevant in this day and age. Loved that both Julian and Ariadne were on the same page. This lovely story is just the beginning of this family series (a favorite of mine).

The standout character for me besides Val is Con. I bet he is a scoundrel that needs a woman to bring him to his knees.

This is a wonderful read. The author develops great characters and gives us a complete story. There is also an extensive epilogue that keeps letting us know a continuation of their lives.

I thank NetGalley and the author for giving us this opportunity.

This is a fun, entertaining read. Julian and Ariadne are interesting, intriguing, complex, strong, caring, wounded, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two are fun to spend time with. I enjoyed the family aspects of the story and what it brought to the characters and the plot. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.